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Fraser Coast e-bookings go live!

Residents of Fraser Coast can now hire Council facilities and open spaces online thanks to Zipporah's new e-Booking system which was launched two weeks ago.

The project, which spanned 18 months saw Zipporah and Fraser Coast Council staff come together to design and implement a new resource, with a chief aim to streamline the Council's existing venue booking process.

Darren Everard, Councillor for Sport, Recreation, Open Spaces and Events shared his thoughts on aspects of the system he was looking forward to seeing in action.

“Bookings can be made for recreational activities, club meetings, weddings and other outdoor events. The system also has the facility to accept day or recurring bookings from registered users, and now customers will be able to check available dates, book the venue, make a payment and receive confirmation of the transaction.

Confident these elements would deliver a much improved service, the Councillor added his thoughts on taking processes online with Zipporah.

"It's a much more convenient option for customers who will now be able to save themselves a trip to our offices.” 

Zipporah Director, Scott Burton, who oversaw delivery of the system to Fraser Coast shared his delight at seeing another Australian council recognise Zipporah's systems for their cost saving and efficiency building worth.

"It's always a pleasure working with clients in Australia. They always have a clear idea of what they are looking to achieve. When we demonstrated our systems, Fraser Coast immediately knew they had found the platform they were looking for to help them achieve their goals. From there it was a very easy process to navigate. Now we're looking forward to seeing Fraser Coast enjoy big gains with our systems in place".

Zipporah's system for Fraser coast can be found at the council website - http://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au

For more information on Zipporah's booking systems, call 02920 647048 or email sales@zipporah.co.uk

Make or Break: The UK's Digital Future

Question...What do Government Lords say should be seen as important a utility as water and electricity, and as prevalent in education as literacy and numeracy?

The answer, according to a report published late February by the UK Government... digital access and understanding.

The findings, concluded in the UK’s Digital Skills Committee report, came as the Chair of the Committee, Baroness Morgan, signalled the UK was now approaching a fork in the road in its digital decisions - with rapid technological change quickly approaching.

A situation, which Lords of the Committee were keen to point out, would leave the UK government with two choices.

On the one hand, a chance to "Seize the opportunity” and introduce a more accelerated approach to digital adoption.

On the other, presented with the option of “taking the foot off the pedal". Maintaining the status quo and the current takeup of digital practices.

Called "Make or Break: The UK's Digital Future", the report and its backers were clear in their view of which route to take – outlining the UK’s fragile position and present failure in addressing its significant digital skill shortage. Any incoming Government, the report claimed, urgently needs to resolve this.

While concerned, Baroness Morgan emphasised the decision posed an exciting opportunity for the UK, its economy, workforce and people at large.

Commenting on the impact of a widespread Government led digital agenda, the Committee Chair suggested the UK would see extensive benefits across society.

In its workforce, the UK would see the emergence of more jobs focused on digital skill and greater evolution of current roles. Preparation for these roles would start in primary education to equip children with relevant skills for later working life.

                                                          

The report found that teachers required further training, particularly up-skilling of longer serving teachers. A coding curriculum would be widely received, to ensure digital was taught alongside literacy and numeracy based subjects to meet the proportion of learners that would require digital skill in future jobs.

Lords commented that a digital agenda would see improved gender equality in work. Male dominated stem subjects and careers like science, mathematics and engineering, are often so because more girls opt out at GCSE, and from there are excluded. Baroness Morgan suggested this one track access needed to be changed to allow fairer access to women – and could be realised through digital. A process which could have a “transformative effect” on the UK’s economy.

The Committee’s findings on digital inclusion included a mention of how important a resource digital will be for everyone in the future. Likened to water and electricity, Morgan and fellow backers didn’t hold back, stressing this belief had to be a starting point going forward.

Obstacles would however need to be overcome. Including better digital training and access to groups across society, from the elderly to the impoverished and certain geographic regions across the UK.

Studies also found more needed to be invested into the UK’s 18-24 age group, who’s digital skill was not up to the Committee’s expectations.

The Committee's chair concluded her hopes for the report commenting

"This report is a wake-up call to whoever forms the next Government in May. Digital is everywhere, with digital skills now seen as vital life skills. It's obvious, however, that we’re not learning the right skills to meet our future needs. It's not a critique of the past. What we're saying is their needs to be a comprehensive digital agenda, led from the top, from the heart of government, with a renewed focus of activity".

It’s clear then that Digital as an agenda holds the key to countless advancements in society. Will the next government embrace it? We certainly hope so!

Zipporah scoops International prize in Chamber awards

South Wales Chamber of Commerce held their annual award ceremony last night. Among the winners, Zipporah, who went on to claim the SWCCA's highly coveted 'International Newcomer' award.

With black ties, dress wear, ice sculptures and cocktails visible across every corner of the room, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd walked onto the set of the latest Bond film at the Vale Resort last night.

Certainly it was an evening of special significance with glitz and glamour, drawing more than a few gasps. Oh and a red carpet!

But, while 007 might have found solace in the extravagant atmosphere, the best of Britain secret agent's wasn't to be seen. 

Instead it was the Best of Welsh businesses that were gathered, vying to hear the outcome of the awards 12 categories - each one up for grabs to a select number of businesses that were hand picked by judges in January.

Among those pruned from a record number of applicants was Zipporah who, as finalists of the Awards 'International Newcomer' category, lay patiently in wait to receive news of their entry.

Commenting on the years finalists, Chamber Director, Graham Morgan had this to say,

"Businesses named as finalists should be very proud of their achievements and they have all shown that it is still possible to achieve excellence despite the challenges of recent years. Their example should help to further strengthen returning confidence in the marketplace in Wales."

The question on everyone's lips though - who would win each category?

After intrigue and conversation surrounding the ceremonies most unusual feature, two glow performers who took to the stage with some eclectic dance moves, it was time to find out.

Addressing the competitions People Development, Innovation and Renewable Energy categories, host and 5 time Olympic skier, Graham Bell, announced the name of the businesses that had managed to squeeze their way past opponents to gain top spot.

Not long into the night came Best Start Up, similarly earning acclaim and congratulations from the awards alpine expert.

And then the waiting was over, the International Newcomer category had arrived... it was time for Zipporah to learn its fate. Had efforts abroad had been enough to win recognition as South Wales' best?

Zipporah's Director Emma Powell sat with fingers crossed. And then came the news... 

"And the winner of this years International Newcomer category is... Zipporah!"

Not one to wait around, Emma gunned for the stage to receive the award. Afterwards she had this say,

"We're absolutely chuffed. We were up against some very worthy businesses for this award. Each one has done a lot over the last year to secure international business. So we're delighted that we've been recognised in the same way as one of Wales' top up and coming exporters. We're looking forward to the next year, where we're hoping to build on what we've achieved and continue drawing attentions towards Wales as a credible and growing economy".



The night ended with a photo of the Awards winners and sponsor. And it was smiles all round! Thanks SWCC, we'll hopefully see you again next year... fingers crossed!